Khopra Ridge Trek | Exciting New Trekking Route

Quick Facts

Duration:14 Days
Trek Style:Hiking and trekking
Group Size:2++
Location:Annapurna conservation area
Trek Starting Point:Nayapool
Trip Grade:Moderate

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation:Teahouse during trek
Max-Altitude:3660 m
Transportation:Tourist bus / local transport
Trek Ending Point:Nayapool
Departure from:Kathmandu

Khopra Ridge

Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the least explored yet unbelievable trekking destinations in Nepal. It is located south of the Annapurna mountains. Khopra Ridge or Khopra Danda Trek is often compared to the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. However, the Khopra danda rises to 3,660 m, while the Poon Hill is at 3,210 m. Therefore, Khopra Danda naturally offers better views of the Himalayas. It is probably the best place to watch the mountain. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Bahrashikhar (7,647 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m).

The path of the Khopra trek is sometimes medium and sometimes exhausting. However, with sufficient preparation, any new trekker can make the journey. The path to Khopra leads through dense and lush green forests of pines, oaks, and rhododendrons. In the meanwhile, you can look at the high Himalayan panoramas from different angles.

In addition, the grassy terraced fields of the lower valleys play an important role in shaping the path. Along the way, you will see above all the Magar and Gurung communities, which have developed their identity as successful hospitality providers. You can find tea houses for a few days, and then spend the rest of your days in shared lodges. Staying in community lodges on the Khopra Ridge Trek Trail is a great way to explore the exotic lifestyle and culture of local communities.

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.

Morning wake-up and breakfast in the hotel.
Our guide will meet you in your hotel and brief you about the upcoming trekking. He will guide you through all the formalities and necessary paper-works required for the trekking.
After that, we then do Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley of famous UNESCO world heritage sites like Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupas in the world; Swayambhunath, a famous monkey temple, and Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex. Apart from Sightseeing, we also get a TIMS card and permits for our trekking on this day. In the evening, we do initial preparation for the trekking.
Overnight at Hotel.

To start our trekking, we wake up early in the morning, take our breakfast in the hotel and drive to Pokhara
in a tourist coach. We take our lunch for the day on the way to Palpa Resort. Upon arrival at Pokhara
transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we do some leisure activities around Phewa Lake and do final
preparation for the trekking.
Overnight at Hotel.
Alternative: You can also take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The duration of the flight is
about 30 Minutes. One-way flight costs around 125 USD per Person. We can make a flight reservation for
you. Please let us know.

After breakfast, we take a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, from where our trek begins by
ascending through beautiful rice, millet, and maze fields towards Ghandruk. Following the trail alongside
the Modi Khola, we walk up to the village of Ghandruk located at an altitude of 1920 m. Famous for
recruiting Gorkha soldiers for both the British and the Indian army, this village is mostly inhabited by
ethnic Gurung people. The houses in Ghandruk are of traditional design among newer constructions.
Amazing and gorgeous views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre mountain peaks
can be seen from here. Apart from that, we can also visit the Gurung Museum here, which showcases
the tradition, culture, and history of the ethnic Gurung community.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

Today after breakfast, we continue our journey up Deurali and then drive through the forests rich in
rhododendron flowers. Climbing over a small pass, we reach the settlement called Tadapani. This
trekking path is beautiful as we can see the natural tranquility offered on the path. The flowering of
rhododendron flowers is abundant in spring and the trekking path is decorated with the fluorescent
canopy of flowering.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

Leaving Tadapani today, we leave the main path to hike on a secluded path. The path leads through a
more remote area of the Annapurna region. The hike offers a beautiful journey through lush
rhododendron and oak forests. It was originally used by villagers from Ghandruk to bring their buffalo,
sheep and goats to higher pastures in the summer months. The path climbs through the tree line and
continues to a ridge to Deurali, a small pass. Further up to Bayeli Kharka we look at the majestic
Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the 7th highest mountain in the world.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

This section of the trail runs along a grassy slope and we pass through grasslands rich in foliage. On the
way we can see the shepherds huts and observe animals that are a cross between cows and yaks called
Dzos. They tend to graze peacefully in the meadows. Look out for colorful Danphe pheasants
(Lophophorus), the national bird of Nepal, on the grassy hills high above the trail. We can also take a look
at Himalayan Thars.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

Today we climb steadily from the Upper Chistibung Lodge and cross alpine meadows and pastures. As we
continue our way, we will see in the distance the head of Annapurna South. That means we are
approaching Khopra Ridge. As soon as we arrive there, the full panorama of the mountains is revealed.
The peaks of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fang, and Annapurna South can be seen in all their glory. After
lunch, take a short stroll down Khopra Ridge to a lookout point overlooking the Kali Gandaki Gorge far
below. It offers a stunning sight.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

It takes about an hour to return to Upper Chistibung where we have a drink and a short break. After that,
we will continue our journey to Swanta village. On the way, the view of Mount Dhaulagiri provides a
tranquil atmosphere for the trekking trail and the Himalayan backdrop is superb. The terraced fields and
traditional houses give the landscape a delicate, picturesque grandeur. After our arrival in Swanta village,
we can visit the Swanta elementary school if you are interested.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

About an hour after leaving the village of Swanta, we join the main route to Ghorepani. Here we meet
more trekkers, in contrast to the rather remote trekking path to Khopra Ridge. Upon arrival at Ghorepani
we rest for a while and explore the surrounding village.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.

Today we rise early in the morning and head to Poonhill to witness the beautiful sunrise. From Poon Hill
we can see a panoramic view of the Annapurna range including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri,
Gangapurna, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli. After that, we return back to our lodge and take our breakfast.
We then hike to Tikhedhunga.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.

This is the last day of our hike towards Pokhara as we hike downhill through the scenic countryside and
surrounding villages. After a few hours of hiking, we will reach Birethanthi at the confluence of the Modi
and Bhurungdi Rives. Later in the day, we reach Nayapul, from where we take a ride to Pokhara. Upon
arrival at Pokhara leisure and shopping time around Phewa lake and lakeside area.
Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we end our beautiful trek and drive back to Kathmandu in a tourist coach. We arrive at
Kathmandu in the evening, where we have some time for leisure and shopping.
Overnight at hotel.
Alternative: You can also take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The duration of the flight is
about 30 Minutes. One-way flight costs around 125 USD per Person. We can make a flight reservation for
you. Please let us know.

After breakfast, a staff member will pick you up from the hotel and transfers you to the airport for the
final departure. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight back home and hope to see you soon again.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Airport Pick-up and drop Service
Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
Guided Tour of Kathmandu valley with an experienced tour guide
Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
Sightseeing charges and Entry fees
Accommodation during the trek (teahouse / guesthouse / homestay)
All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Transportation (tourist coach / local bus / private vehicle)
Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Local government Entry Permit of Rs. 2000 (started in 2018)
Insurance of the Guide and Porter
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Trekking Permit Card
Medical kits carried by the guide
All necessary paper works, office service charge and all Government Taxes

Optional Add-Ons:

Porter (cost: 20 USD per day, carries 15 – 20 kg load. Porter’s accommodation, transport and meal is paid by the company)
Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map (in case you don‘t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

Travel and rescue insurance (Mandatory: Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ m)
International airfare and Visa costs (you can get a Visa upon arrival at the Airport)
Domestic Flight
Personal interest items or gears
Tips to guide / driver / porter
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Beverage and Drink Items / Other Extra facilities like hot shower during trek
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in “What’s Included” section